Motorcycle Accidents

Washington state is one of 19 states in the U.S.A. to have a universal helmet law. This means, every rider of a motorcycle, scooter, or low-motor motorcycle is required to wear a helmet. Yet, under proposed Washington Senate Bill 5007 (SB 5007) and companion House Bill 1125 (HB 1125), a new law to test motorcycle helmet use for three years could allow motorcycle users over 21 to forego the helmets and enjoy the freedom of riding a motorcycle helmet-free. Read the rest »

There’s no question that riding a motorcycle can be one of the most thrilling experiences possible. Unfortunately, when you’re out on the road, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Because motorcycles don’t provide the same type of protection that cars do, motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer from severe and sometimes fatal injuries in an accident. Let’s talk prevention. Read the rest »

Every time a motorcyclist gets onto their bike and hits the road, they are at risk for bodily injury. Motorcycles don’t offer the same buffer zone that other vehicles have. There’s no steel frame surrounding them, and other than their helmet, they have very little protection. Of all the accidents that can occur between a motorcycle and another vehicle, one in which they get rear-ended can be the worst. Read the rest »

A man has been charged with vehicular homicide after being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine. According to a Seattle Times news report, the fatal motorcycle crash happened in Burien. Read the rest »

At the end of November, a Seattle resident was unfortunately killed in an accident here in Seattle. The 76-year-old rider died in a motorcycle accident that happened on Interstate 5. According to witnesses, the man lost control of his motorcycle and fell off. While trying to get back on his bike, he was struck by a semi-truck. The accident happened near the main gate of Joint Base Lewis–McChord (JBLM). Read the rest »

According to a Q13 Fox news report, the motorcycle accident happened in Renton on Lind Avenue SW. Officials say the head-on collision happened when a Subaru Outback was starting to make a turn. The motorcycle officer suffered bone fractures and will need surgery. It’s unclear if the driver of the Subaru will face charges. Investigators don’t suspect that alcohol or drugs lead to the crash. Read the rest »

Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer serious and even fatal injuries in a crash than car or truck drivers. In fact, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to be involved in a deadly accident than car drivers. It’s important for motorcyclists to be careful at all times, and for car drivers to look out for nearby motorcyclists. Read the rest »

A 56-year-old man was killed in a Washington motorcycle accident when his vehicle slammed into a highway guardrail. According to KOMO news report, the fatal motorcycle crash occurred along State Route 20 at an on-ramp to the southbound I-5 in Burlington. Officials say he was unable to negotiate the curve and went off the road and across both lanes before striking the guardrail. Investigators say that his helmet was not the type approved by the Department of Transportation. He died at the scene.

It is unclear from the report if the victim could have survived had he been wearing a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. Not all helmets are created equal and many are simply not strong enough to prevent catastrophic or fatal injuries. Under Washington law, all riders must wear a helmet that has been certified as meeting the standards of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). These helmets have an easy to recognize sticker on the back as well as on the inside. Read the rest »

A Seattle police motorcycle officer was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash involving another vehicle. According to a KOMO news report, the collision occurred near the intersection of Occidental Avenue South and South Lander Street. Police say traffic was stopped on Lander for a train crossing and some cars began making a U-turn rather than waiting for the train to finish crossing.

One driver in an SUV, while making a U-turn, failed to see the motorcycle officer and crashed into him. Another person, who was in the car behind that driver, rushed into action and used the police officer’s radio to get help. The 57-year-old officer was transported to Harborview Medical Center where he has been listed in serious but stable condition. He suffered broken bones. No charges or citations were reported. Read the rest »

Two motorcyclists were killed in two separate incidents that took place within 24 hours of each other on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, according to a KOMO News report. Police say in one case, the motorcyclist was heading north when he hit a guardrail and was ejected from his motorcycle near Seneca Street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A day earlier, another 30-year-old motorcyclist was killed when he crashed on the viaduct and fell to his death. It is unclear what caused the crash, but the motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and went over the side of the viaduct landing on Railroad Avenue. A witness told officials that the rider’s helmet flew off his head after the impact. Read the rest »

Seattle Auto Accident Lawyer Disclaimer: The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact an attorney for a consultation on your particular matter. This website is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the State of Washington.